Local News

Brush enters the 'Quiet Zone'

Water and trash rates to also rise for residents

The city of Brush has enacted a quiet zone for trains within the city limits. (Stephanie Alderton / Fort Morgan Times)

BRUSH — Residents here finally are enjoying the sound of silence -- at least as far as trains go.

As of Feb. 1, citizens realized some relief as the harsh horns of passing trains have been silenced, thanks to the completion of the city's Quiet Zone project.

The Brush City Council voted recently to put through Ordinance 842-16, which amended the city's past code requiring train horns to sound when passing through public crossings, prompted in an effort to follow federal regulations.

Now that the Quiet Zone has been established and approved, the amendment paves the way for the sounds of silence many citizens searched for.

Although the Quiet Zone regulations take away the requirement for train horns to sound, engineers may still sound the honking horns in certain circumstances, including instances where pedestrians, people, animals or other objects may obstruct or be seen as crossing the tracks.

Brush city fees, water and trash rates set to rise

Also approved during the meeting was an ordinance that imposes a convenience fee on those who wish to use the credit card machine at city hall to pay utility bills.

"It is currently costing the city $350-$400 in fees for folks to come in off the street and pay for court fines, fees, water bills and more," said Finance Officer Joanne Gosselink. "We are asking council to impose the ordinance in order to recoup some of those expenses. As far as utility bills, customers have the option to use online bill pay where they will not be charged a convenience fee, as it saves staff time and long run saves city money."

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In regards to city fees, Brush citizens will likely see an increase in both trash and water rates as well during an upcoming council meeting. According to Gosselink, a 2015 resolution to increase trash rates pushed Brush to raise rates over the next three years, based on the Denver/Boulder CPI. The increase will have citizens be charged an additional 30 cents per month for residential trash users, with a 90-gallon bin also seeing a 30 cent hike.

Water rates also will see a rise as city officials are in the final stages of finishing a resolution to increase rates based on research done with a consultant. The resolution could be brought before council in February, when plans to have a citizen outreach will be developed. The city will invite water users to come in and see how the rates can help, with some of the increase based on encouraging conservation.

Police Chief Thomas resigns, city searches for new chief

During the meeting, Brush City Administrator Monty Torres noted the sudden retirement of Brush Police Chief Mark Thomas, a 34-year veteran of the force.

"Last week our police chief resigned, after 34 years of service," Torres stated simply. "We wish him the best in his future endeavors. We'll be putting together a recruitment package for a new chief of police, and we will keep council posted on that."

A welcome was also given that night as new board appointments were announced and council approved an annual contract with the Brush Area Museum. Since 2007 the city has allocated $10,000 towards the venture for staff and operations expenses.

Citizen Outreach meetings

Brush Marketing Specialist Tyler Purvis addressed a new citizen outreach program being developed by the City of Brush in an effort to keep contact and ideas flowing between the public and government officials. The program is slated to begin March 7 and will continue on the first Monday of each month with meetings set for 6 p.m. at The Course at Petteys Park restaurant. Two council members and city staff will be on hand each time to listen to citizen concerns, feedback and thoughts.

Council continues housing incentives

Council also brought back the city's housing incentive package created in 2015 to encourage the building of new residential homes in Brush. The package provides incentives for home construction and provides a 50% reduction on the Water Plant Investment Fee, Wastewater Residential Connection Fee, and Building Permit Fees. The city hopes this will be enticing to builders who have recognized the housing shortage in the area, and will help them select Brush as a place to build.

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